Zambia courts sealed off as election petition deadline looms
Court premises in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and elsewhere have been shut as the deadline for filing a petition against the outcome of the recent presidential election approaches. An unusual police presence has been reported at some courts, which have been taped off to prevent access. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile said he would challenge the [...] The post Zambia courts sealed off as…
Court buildings in Zambia's capital, Lusaka and other locations, are currently closed as the deadline for filing a petition against the recent presidential election result approaches. Police are present at several courts with them taped off to restrict access. Opposition challenger Brian Mundubile intends to contest the election result, citing irregularities after he secured 38% of the vote.
Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema won the election with 60% of the votes. Mundubile is reportedly in hiding due to threats, amid controversy including the shooting death of an opposition figure and the arrest of others. The last day to file a petition against the presidential election outcome is Monday, which could potentially impact Hichilema's scheduled inauguration on September 1st.
Lawyers on Monday were instructed to leave the courts. One lawyer reported that armed men approached his vehicle, identified themselves and ordered him to leave. The sealed court premises include the High Court in Lusaka, the Supreme Court which also includes the Constitutional Court, and various local courts. It is uncertain when these facilities will reopen.
The BBC has reached out to the Zambian police and judiciary for comment. A statement from the judiciary administrative official instructing all staff not to report for work due to "security reasons" has been shared by opposition figures but lacks details on the situation. Concerns have been raised about the closure and the independence of the judiciary.
Opposition leader Emmanuel Mwamba claims the action is to prevent Mundubile from filing his election petition. The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) expressed concerns over the closure and the presence of heavily armed soldiers around court buildings in Lusaka, highlighting the lack of formal public reasons for the closure and its timing before the election.
Despite the court shutdown, preparations for Hichilema's inauguration seem to persist, with the youth and sport ministry inviting journalists to inspect arrangements at the National Heroes Stadium where the ceremony is expected to occur.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Zambia courts sealed off as election petition deadline looms myjoyonline.com
- Zambia closes courts on last day to file election challenge sabcnews.com
